Hot Spring
A hot spring emerges at 8,318 feet elevation in Yellowstone National Park's northeastern wilderness, located 13.8 kilometers from the Northeast Entrance Road. This backcountry thermal feature sits in remote terrain accessible only through extensive off-trail hiking. The spring's temperature is recorded as hot but lacks specific measurements in the historical survey data.
The spring occupies high-elevation wilderness in the Absaroka Range at the northeastern edge of the Yellowstone caldera. At 8,318 feet, the landscape endures severe alpine conditions with average annual temperatures of 32.1 degrees Fahrenheit, 27.4 inches of precipitation, and 135.7 inches of snow. Whitebark pine, subalpine fir, and Engelmann spruce dominate forested areas, giving way to alpine meadows and exposed rock at higher elevations. The terrain shows steep ridges, cirques carved by ancient glaciers, and headwater streams draining toward the Lamar River system. Thermal activity in this remote setting demonstrates the caldera's far-reaching hydrothermal influence.
Historical documentation for this remote spring is sparse. The feature appears in the 1980 NOAA thermal springs survey but lacks the detailed study given to more accessible Yellowstone features. The northeastern park wilderness remained largely unexplored until mid-20th-century backcountry mapping efforts. The area has received permanent protection since the park's 1872 establishment, with designation as recommended wilderness ensuring minimal development.
This spring requires serious backcountry skills and is suitable only for experienced wilderness travelers. Obtain required backcountry permits from park rangers and carry topographic maps, compass, and GPS. The 8.6-mile approach demands multiple days with full camping gear. Visit July through September when snow permits passage; even summer conditions can include freezing nights at this elevation. Carry bear-resistant food storage and be prepared for rapid weather changes. Tower Fall Campground 18.6 kilometers away offers a developed base for trip preparation before heading into the wilderness.
Is Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Backpacking adventures
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Day trips with young children
Overview Tower Fall Campground—elevation 6,600 feet (2012 m)—is on the north side of the steep, winding, road to Dunraven Pass. The campground is near the Tower General Store and Tower Fall. The Lamar Valley, with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, is nearby as are several Day Hikes in the Tower and Northeast Area. Roosevelt Lodge, a short drive from the campground, offers dining and horseback riding. For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (F...